The big freeze is not likely to end any time soon, Miller said, with the Arctic air forecast to continue spilling deep into Europe, keeping temperatures well below average and allowing the snow to continue to pile higher and higher.

In Ukraine, the worst-affected country, well over 100 people have died and more than 3,000 have sought hospital treatment.

State news agency Ukrinform said more than 120 ships — most of them foreign — were trapped in the Kerch Strait, linking the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea, because of ice.

Parts of the Danube River, one of the most important rivers in Europe for commerce, have nearly frozen over for the first time in 25 years.

Read the rest of the story HERE. Here is a look at history, every extended warm period was closed with a rapid cooling.